Introduction
The most frequent cause of hospital admissions for women is giving birth, which is a significant life event on a psychological as well as a physical basis. Fetal heart rate monitoring before and during labor will enable the healthcare provider to get a detailed idea about the baby inside the uterus (womb). The use of telemetry (a fetal monitoring system) in wireless continuous electronic fetal monitoring (CEFM) presents the possibility of improved labor mobility. According to national guidelines, all laboring women with continuous electronic fetal monitoring should have access to telemetry. However, there is limited current evidence on telemetry use experiences or the effects it may have.
What Is Electronic Fetal Monitoring?
Healthcare providers may use electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) to check the heart rate of the baby in the clinic or during birth. It gives them continuous, real-time updates on the baby's health during labor and delivery. The blood arteries that provide the baby with oxygenated blood are compressed during labor contractions. Babies' oxygen levels typically stay adequate during childbirth. However, the baby's heart rate will alter if blood oxygen levels drop. By using electronic monitors, the baby's heart rate can be tracked so that a doctor can see any problems and take preventative measures.
What Are the Different Types of Electronic Fetal Monitoring Devices?
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External Monitoring - External monitoring is the most common type. In this, to detect the baby's heartbeat, an ultrasound transducer is placed across the abdomen of the mother. The abdomen is fitted with an additional pressure-sensitive gauge to capture the strength and frequency of the contractions. The measurements are recorded on a paper printout, and two detectors are connected to a monitor. The mother can move around on the bed or in a nearby chair when they are linked to an external monitor. However, they will not have the freedom to roam around unless telemetry monitoring is being utilized.
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Internal Monitoring - Compared to an external monitor, internal fetal monitoring provides a more accurate record of the contractions and the heart rate of the baby. This involves placing a tiny electrode on the baby's scalp through the vagina. To monitor the force of contractions, a pressure gauge is either fastened to the abdominal wall or inserted into the womb via a catheter. The mother's range of motion will be more restricted than the external monitor, but it will still be possible to move from side to side.
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Telemetry - With this kind of fetal monitoring, radio waves are used to send the baby's heart rhythms to the medical station from a transmitter worn on the mother's thigh. Not all hospitals, however, have access to the equipment. The key benefit of this technology is that it keeps mothers under continuous observation while preserving their mobility.
What Is Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring?
The science or procedure of gathering data about distant objects and transmitting the data electronically is the definition of telemetry. Similar to traditional wired electronic fetal monitors or cardiotocography (equipment for measuring a baby's heart rate), fetal heart (FH) monitoring via telemetry uses two transducers on the belly, but data regarding the FH and contractions is sent wirelessly. Because of advances in technology, current telemetry is more adaptable, requires no battery pack, and produces higher-quality recordings.
Telemetry is a method of continually monitoring the heart of the fetus that may be made available to mothers to provide them with more options and more labor mobility. Telemetry equipment can be added to an already-existing cardiotocography (CTG) machine or purchased as an integrated part of a traditional CTG machine. Women can use a birthing pool and remain mobile since new telemetry transducers are waterproof. Mobility and the use of a birthing pool can both minimize the incidence of epidural (spinal block) and cesarean sections and shorten the duration of labor.
What Are the Advantages of Using Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring During Labor?
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The technology and capabilities of telemetry have progressed to the point that newer types produce better fetal heart recordings, are waterproof, can be added to cardiotocography (a technique to monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate) facilities, and have a greater range.
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Women may be more mobile during labor without being constrained by wires, which is one of the commonly held benefits of telemetry. Increased movement ability has been demonstrated to positively impact a woman's sense of control and comfort with childbirth.
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Telemetry offers a chance to enhance the experience and assist physiological competence when continuous electronic fetal monitoring (CEFM) is employed during labor. For women with CEFM, the use of telemetry during labor helps to humanize the birthing process by putting them at the center and giving them control over their experience.
When Is Electronic Fetal Monitoring Not Recommended?
According to the most recent recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in low-risk pregnancies where mother and child do not need continuous tracking, intermittent fetal monitoring using a doppler or specialized stethoscope is advised. If a patient falls into that category and everything is going well for both the mother and the baby, they most likely do not need to spend the whole labor hooked up to an electronic fetal monitor.
Conclusion
The use of telemetry in wireless continuous electronic fetal monitoring (CEFM) presents the possibility of improved labor mobility. According to health guidelines, all laboring women with electronic fetal monitoring should have access to telemetry. However, for the majority of women going through unmedicated labor and healthy, low-risk pregnancies, electronic fetal monitoring is not required. Always speak with the healthcare practitioner about their usual electronic fetal monitoring practices as the patient is ready to give birth. More studies regarding telemetry are needed to have a proper knowledge of data regarding telemetry use experiences and potential effects.
